Bills Beat Jets 28-9: C.J. Spiller Leads Buffalo To Season-Ending Win

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By JOHN WAWROW

Posted:
12/30/2012 4:56 pm EST
Updated:
03/01/2013 5:12 am EST

New York Jets cornerback Kyle Wilson (20) tries to run down Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) during the first half an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mel Evans) | AP

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Far too late for the playoffs, running back C.J. Spiller helped deliver embattled Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey a season-ending 28-9 win over the turmoil-riddled New York Jets on Sunday.

Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez did nothing to settle questions about his job security with another sloppy performance. Nor did he help the status of offensive coordinator Tony Sparano, who's expected to be released after one season.

Spiller had 59 yards rushing and scored on a 66-yard catch and run in a game between two AFC East rivals with no playoff implications. Safety Bryan Scott returned an interception 20 yards, while Brad Smith scored on a 4-yard run, and Tashard Choice on 13-yard run for the Bills (6-10).

Despite snapping a three-game skid with their first win in seven tries against New York, Buffalo still finished fourth in the division for a fifth straight season. Buffalo hasn't made the playoffs for 13 straight seasons.

That's led to questions regarding Gailey's job status after going 16-32 in three seasons.

The Jets (6-10) and beleaguered coach Rex Ryan also enter an uncertain offseason after closing their second straight year with three consecutive losses. Since taking the Jets to successive AFC title games, Ryan has gone 14-18.

Sanchez did nothing to ease the criticism. The 2009 first-round draft pick finished 17 of 25 for 205 yards with an interception – his 18th of the season – and a lost fumble. He also directed an offense that once more lacked finish, settling for two field goals on three trips inside the Bills 20.

It was Sanchez's first start in two weeks after he turned over the ball five times in a 14-10 loss at Tennessee. He got the start after third-stringer Greg McElroy complained of concussion-like symptoms on Thursday.

Down 9-7, the Bills went ahead for good when Ryan Fitzpatrick dumped a short pass over the middle to Spiller, who split defenders and then outraced them into the end zone.

The Jets trailed 14-9 at the half despite gaining more yards than Buffalo (204-132), getting more first downs (13-4) and holding a whopping edge in time of possession (23:15-6:45).

On a cold, sunny afternoon in a half-empty Ralph Wilson Stadium, a foot of snow that fell this week was completely shoveled away only three hours before kickoff. And what happened on the field was overshadowed by the various changes that could be coming for both teams.

Gailey and general manager Buddy Nix are on the hot seat, particularly after a spending spree that brought defensive end Mario Williams for a $100 million contract.

So is Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, who reworked Sanchez's contract in March; the QB is guaranteed $8.25 million next year.

It's also possible that, like Sanchez, Fitzpatrick has appeared in his final game with his team.

Plus, Tim Tebow was a nonfactor once again for New York, just as he has been all season. It likely was Tebow's final game with the Jets.

This is not the finish many expected for the Bills, who opened the season with aspirations of being a bona fide contender after their defense was supposed to have been improved with the addition of high-priced defensive end Mario Williams.

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Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano acknowledges the fans after walking onto the field before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Indianapolis. Pagano is back as coach after nearly three months of treatments for leukemia. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano is greeted by family members after walking onto the field before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Indianapolis. Pagano is back as coach after nearly three months of treatments for leukemia. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, right, is hugged by general manager Ryan Grigson after walking onto the field before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano signs autographs for fans before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano watches as the Colts prepare for an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey, second from left, and Bills players stand on the sidelines during a remembrance for the West Webster Fire Department firefighters who were ambushed while responding to a house fire on Dec. 24th before an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)

New York Giants wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan (12), Spencer Paysinger (52) and Domenik Hixon (87) greet a contingent of teachers, parents, and students from Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., before an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. The school was the site of a mass shooting on Dec. 14. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)

New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) catches a pass as Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (24) defends during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Houston Texans' Matt Schaub (8) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Williams (19) makes a touch-down catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) passes against the Baltimore Ravens in the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Tom Uhlman)

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon (14) beats Tennessee Titans defensive back Tommie Campbell (37) to the end zone to score a touchdown on a 30-yard pass play in the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Joe Howell)

Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith speaks with Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas (83) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (34) breaks away for a 65-heard run during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

New York Jets free safety LaRon Landry (30) moves in for a tackle on Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) during the first half an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Indianapolis Colts' Reggie Wayne (87) is tackled by Houston Texans' Glover Quin (29) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

New York Jets cornerback Kyle Wilson (20) tries to run down Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) during the first half an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones (12) is tackled by Cincinnati Bengals strong safety Chris Crocker (33) after a short gain in the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)

Indianapolis Colts' Dwayne Allen (83) is tackled by Houston Texans' Danieal Manning (38) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) is pressured by Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams (95) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)

Indianapolis Colts' Andrew Luck (12) throws while pressured by Houston Texans' Whitney Mercilus (59) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on a 2-yard run against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) passes against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes over Cleveland Browns defensive end Jabaal Sheard (97) in the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jordan Shipley runs untouched into the end zone as he scores a touchdown on a 5-yard pass play against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy (25) stiff-arms New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Indianapolis Colts' Coby Fleener reacts after scoring on a 1-yard touchdown reception during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) looks downfield while chased by Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers (90) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

New York Giants fullback Henry Hynoski (45) catches a pass for a touchdown as Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (23) defends him during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson passes during warm-ups before an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady shouts as he takes the field before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

New Orleans Saints' Johnny Patrick (32) breaks up a pass intended for Carolina Panthers' Louis Murphy (83) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass under as New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) tries to make a tackle during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Gary Wiepert)

Indianapolis Colts' Deji Karim, left, runs back a kickoff 101-yards for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) makes a catch for a touchdown in the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) and tight end Leonard Pope (45) celebrate after Brown made a touchdown catch in the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill warms up before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs the ball alone on his way for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Detroit Lions tight end Will Heller (89), defended by Chicago Bears strong safety Major Wright (21), falls into the end zone for a touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)

Atlanta Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel (22) reacts to an interception he made against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Detroit Lions tight end Will Heller (89) is congratulated by teammate wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) after his touchdown during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)

Houston Texans' Arian Foster (23) celebrates with his teammates following a 13-yard touchdown run during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) reacts after throwing a toucdown pass to Rueben Randle during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Greg Little (15) makes a catch in the back of the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Cleveland Browns quarterback Thad Lewis (9) throws for a touchdown pass as Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison (92) applies pressure in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. Harrison was penalized for roughing the passer on the play. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Indianapolis Colts' Andrew Luck (12) is congratulated by a fan as he leaves the field after the Colts defeated the Houston Texans, 28-16, in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, left, runs from Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Genevieve Ross)

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) runs from Green Bay Packers free safety M.D. Jennings (43) during a seven-yard touchdown run in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) leaps over Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Javier Arenas (21) on his way to a first down in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Denver. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scrambles away from St. Louis Rams' Eugene Sims, right, and William Hayes, second from right, in the first half of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor runs the ball against the San Diego Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) passes against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson passes in the first half of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Denver Broncos running back Jacob Hester (40) is tripped up by Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) inside the five-yard-line during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Denver. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano responds to a question during a news conference after the Colts defeated the Houston Texans, 28-16, in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Indianapolis. He has been battling against a form of leukemia. This was his first game back after undergoing treatments. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (3) celebrates with teammates after kicking a 54-yard field goal during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Genevieve Ross)

St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson rushes against the Seattle Seahawks in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker (87) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Eric Berry (29) after catching a pass for a first down in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Wallace Gilberry (95) celebrates after making a sack in the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won 23-17. (AP Photo/Michael Keating)

Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano autographs a football for a fan after the Colts defeated the Houston Texans, 28-16, in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Indianapolis. Pagano has been suffering against a form of leukemia. This was his first game back after undergoing treatments. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Mike Harris (20) celebrates with defensive end Jason Babin (58) after scoring a touchdown after blocking a punt against the Tennessee Titans in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 38-20. (AP Photo/Joe Howell)

San Diego Chargers kick returner Micheal Spurlock, left, runs the opening kickoff back for a touchdown as Oakland Raiders' Brandian Ross, right, chases during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker (87) celebrates with teammates after Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno (27) scored a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Buffalo Bills running back Tashard Choice (20) eludes New York Jets strong safety Yeremiah Bell (37) to run for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Orchard Park, N.Y. Buffalo won, 28-9. (AP Photo/Bill Wippert)

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap leaves the field after their 23-17 win against the Baltimore Ravens in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Michael Keating)

Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, left, talks to Houston Texans' Andre Johnson following an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Indianapolis. The Colts won the game 28-16. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno (27) pushes his way across the goal line against Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) for a touchdown in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison (92) hands his gloves to a fan as he heads to the locker room following their 24-10 win over the Cleveland Browns in an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Leonard Johnson (29) breaks up a pass for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Atlanta. The Buccaneers won 22-17. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback E.J. Biggers (31) breaks up a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Atlanta. The Buccaneers won 22-17. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Ziggy Hood, left, recovers a fumble by Cleveland Browns quaterback Thad Lewis in front of Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison (92) late in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. The Steelers won 24-10. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)